At the beginning of the New Year few events are as eagerly anticipated as the 2019 Rugby World Cup. This year will feature the ninth Rugby World Cup in history. The host nation for the 2019 edition will be Japan. Likewise, this will be the first time that the Rugby World Cup will be held in Asia. Further, this will be the first time the tournament is held in a “non-traditional” part of the world. A total of 20 nations will compete from September 20, 2019 through November 2, 2019. Additionally, there will be 12 venues that will host matches.
Accordingly, the qualification process includes the top three teams in each of the four pools from the 2015 Rugby World Cup. Japan was also assured a spot as the host nation. The remaining slots were determined by existing regional competitions with the Rugby betting odds.All of the teams that qualified have been in previous Rugby World Cup tournaments. However, a notable team that will be absent for 2019 is Romania. In fact, the Romanians will miss the tournament for the first time in their history. They were disqualified for playing ineligible players during qualifying.
To begin with the most famous and successful nation with the Rugby Betting Odds is New Zealand. Rugby is their national sport and they are the current champions. On the whole New Zealand has won a total of three Rugby World Cup championships. That is the most of any nation in history. As a matter of fact, New Zealand is the two-time defending champion from 2011 and 2015. South Africa was the 2007 winner with England taking the crown in 2003. France was runner up in 2011 with Australia finishing second in 2015. England had a runner up finish if 2007.
The Webb Ellis Cup is awarded to the Rugby World Cup champion. To be exact the trophy is named after William Webb Ellis and was created by Gerrard’s Crown Jewelers. The Webb Ellis Cup is nicknamed “Bill.”
Although rugby has been played for a long time and at such events as the Olympics dating back to 1900 the World Cup was a long time in the making. After ceasing to be an Olympic sport in 1924 there was talk for decades about a Rugby World Cup event. Finally, in 1987 the first Rugby World Cup came to fruition with a total of 16 teams taking part. Naturally New Zealand and Australia hosted the inaugural tournament. Fashion the fact that New Zealand won that first ever event. Correspondingly they have been a sportsbook favorite ever since.
In the same way Ireland has become a top favorite with the Rugby betting odds.
Although the Irish lack New Zealand’s proud history they have climbed to rank second in the world. In view of their rich history and current status New Zealand is the top ranked team in the World Rugby Rankings. Of major concern is just how much actual wagering value can New Zealand deliver? Balanced against that is the fool’s errand of trying to figure out who will beat them.
Wales, England, and South Africa rank third, fourth and fifth in the world. Right behind them is Australia. Increasingly that is where most of the betting action is likely to flow.